"1.5 Million Covid Cases Daily, New Wave Sweeping Across Europe": UN Chief

COVID-19 Pandemic: "We're seeing 1.5 million new cases each day. Large outbreaks are spreading in Asia. A new wave is sweeping across Europe," the UN chief said, adding that some countries are reporting their highest death rates since the start of the pandemic.

With new coronavirus variants emerging every four months on average, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over as large outbreaks are spreading in Asia.

Mr Guterres also called for governments and pharma companies to work together to deliver vaccines to every person, everywhere.

In a video message "One World Protected - Break COVID Now" to the GAVI COVAX Advance Market Commitment Summit 2022, Mr Guterres said on Friday that the gathering is a critical reminder that the "COVID-19 pandemic is far from over."

"We're seeing 1.5 million new cases each day. Large outbreaks are spreading in Asia. A new wave is sweeping across Europe," he said, adding that some countries are reporting their highest death rates since the start of the pandemic.